Expedition Lite

From £1999

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 So, you've decided you're going to head off into the blue yonder but with all the equipment costs involved, you can't justify the cost of the full-on Expedition. We're now offering a lower specced bike based on the Model 1 but with crucial changes to increase reliability and reduce cost. It is designed to be more affordable, but still capable of withstanding the worst conditions you might face. We haven't compromised on the two key items - the frameset and wheels. The frameset is still our trusty Expedition frame set, (hand-built with Reynolds 525 tubing) and our wheels are still handbuilt. We use Sapim leader spokes and build up to maximum tension, using boiled linseed oil as a thread lock to prevent the spokes detensioning.

A steel Ergotec headset with cage bearings replaces the Chris King headset of the full-on Expedition. We use standard 8 speed Shimano transmission. It may be low in the range, but because of Shimano’s policy of feeding their developments through to the lower parts of the range, it still works perfectly. Okay, the gear shifters will need more finger effort, and some of the materials might not look quite so new over the course of a few years, but if a reliable functional bike is what you need, the Expedition Lite will serve you well on your long tour. Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus 26 x 1.75 tyres are used. We’ve stuck with the Deore V brakes because they have the cassette design brake pads, meaning you can change the pads yourself for pennies.

For other cyclists, the Expedition Lite makes the perfect basis for an upgraded bike based on your requirements and budget. A few simple upgrades such as tyres, mudguards, gear shifters and front rack would create a bombproof touring machine.

The full specification is below:

  • Frame: Fillet Brazed double-butted steel frame built by Lee Cooper in Coventry

  • Rear Mech: Shimano RD-R2000GS

  • Front Mech: Shimano FD-M310

  • Cassette: Shimano CS-HG40

  • Shift Levers: Shimano SL-M315

  • Chainset: Shimano FC-M361 42-32-22teeth

  • Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-UN26 or equivalent

  • Chain: KMC X8

  • Wheels: handbuilt - Ryde or Exal Rims, Shimano Deore hubs, 36 Sapim plain gauge spokes

  • Brake Levers: Shimano BL-R2000

  • Brakes: Shimano BR-T610

  • Pedals: flat pedals

  • Saddle:Terry Fisio Gel (Man or Woman)

  • Seat post: Ergotec Patent 27.2mm

  • Racks: Axiom Journey 70kg rated

  • Handlebars: Ergotec 4 MAS

  • Handlebar Grips: Ergon GP1 or Sportourer

  • Stem: Ergotec 4 60 - 130mm

  • Headset: Ergotec steel cage bearings 1 1/8th

  • Mudguards: M Part Commuter

  • Tyres: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus 26 x 1.75

  • Inner tubes: Schwalbe Schrader Valves